Drug enforcement team is making meth a priority.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

Over the past several months, numerous people have been arrested on charges related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. The arrests are an indication of the increased manufacturing and usage of the illegal substance in this area, along with an increase in enforcement, according to Michigan State Police Lt. Andrew Ambrose, the commander of

the State, Sheriff’s, Chief’s Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT), which consists of law enforcement officers from Mason, Lake, Manistee and Oceana counties.

“We are focused on it now,” Ambrose said. “We realize that there is an issue in the communities that we service and we have been more aggressive in identifying and locating those who are involved in the manufacturing of meth.”

Ambrose said that SSCENT’s top three priority categories at this time are meth, heroin and illegal prescription drugs.

“We have determined that those three areas can have an overall impact on the well being of the community,” he said. “They affect a broad range of people.”

Ambrose said the four county area has a meth issue. “Yes, there is a problem. There are several investigations that are currently ongoing involving those who are distributing or manufacturing meth.”

Ambrose said the community needs to help law enforcement catch drug dealers and manufacturers.

“Be vigilant and conscience of what you are seeing,” he said. “Lots of times, in the case of meth, these people will dispose of their items on state or federal land or along a road. It is typically a 2-liter or 20 ounce pop bottle that has melted and has a hole on the bottom. They may also have plastic tubing come out of them. Items may also be an empty solvent can or an aerosol can.”

Ambrose emphasized that if such an items is found, do not touch it but rather call 911 or Silent Observer (888-786-7274). 

“We appreciate the information that the community can provide us,” Ambrose said.